Gheens festival to draw thousands

Published: Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 9:54 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 9:54 p.m.

A 40-year tradition of good food returns Friday night with the Gheens Bon Mangé Festival.

Facts

The festival, which runs through Sunday at the Vacherie-Gheens Community Center in Gheens, usually draws about 3,000 people, said Hollie Lapeyrouse, community center board vice president .

Most visitors hail from Louisiana, but some travel from across the country to attend the free event.

Bon Mangé means “good food” in French. But the festival also features drinks, music, carnival rides and three live auctions.

Festival-goers may purchase favorites including chicken and sausage gumbo, red beans and rice, spaghetti and meatballs, and jambalaya. But new food items, including shrimp and catfish po-boys, are also on the menu, Lapeyrouse said.

There will be live performances by Ruff N Ready on Friday; The Gary T Band, Pot 2 La and Halifax on Saturday; and The Members Only Band on Sunday.

Auctions will take place at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday.

There will be raffle prizes that include $300, $200 and $100 donated by the community center.

Other raffle prizes include a hand-quilted baby blanket donated by The Merry Quilters, a 150-pound live pig donated by Ramsey and Marcie Keller, one bushel of medium crabs donated by Yogi G's Seafood and a $50 gift card to Outback Steakhouse donated by Alumni Medical.

Tickets will be available throughout the weekend, and the drawing will be held Sunday.

On Saturday, presenters will introduce the Gheens Bon Mangé royalty for 2013-14.

<p>A 40-year tradition of good food returns Friday night with the Gheens Bon Mangé Festival.</p><p>The festival, which runs through Sunday at the Vacherie-Gheens Community Center in Gheens, usually draws about 3,000 people, said Hollie Lapeyrouse, community center board vice president . </p><p>Most visitors hail from Louisiana, but some travel from across the country to attend the free event. </p><p>Bon Mangé means “good food” in French. But the festival also features drinks, music, carnival rides and three live auctions.</p><p>Festival-goers may purchase favorites including chicken and sausage gumbo, red beans and rice, spaghetti and meatballs, and jambalaya. But new food items, including shrimp and catfish po-boys, are also on the menu, Lapeyrouse said. </p><p>There will be live performances by Ruff N Ready on Friday; The Gary T Band, Pot 2 La and Halifax on Saturday; and The Members Only Band on Sunday. </p><p>Auctions will take place at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday.</p><p>Auction items include LSU and Saints-themed rocking chairs, boiling pots, fishing poles and lamps.</p><p>There will be raffle prizes that include $300, $200 and $100 donated by the community center. </p><p>Other raffle prizes include a hand-quilted baby blanket donated by The Merry Quilters, a 150-pound live pig donated by Ramsey and Marcie Keller, one bushel of medium crabs donated by Yogi G's Seafood and a $50 gift card to Outback Steakhouse donated by Alumni Medical.</p><p>Tickets will be available throughout the weekend, and the drawing will be held Sunday.</p><p>On Saturday, presenters will introduce the Gheens Bon Mangé royalty for 2013-14. </p><p>The royalty include Laila Andras as Junior Miss Gheens Bon Mangé XXII, Carli Lambert as Teen Miss Gheens Bon Mangé XXVI, Jami Brown as Miss Gheens Bon Mangé XXVI, Nicole Legendre as Ms. Gheens Bon Mangé IX and Peter Dominique as the Gheens Bon Mangé King. </p><p>Former queens also will assist in the festival by serving food and drinks, handing out raffle tickets and presenting auction items. </p><p>“The queens travel throughout the year, and they mingle with the community at the festival,” Lapeyrouse said. </p><p>Lambert, 18, said she attended the event in previous years and is excited to celebrate the festival for the first time as royalty. </p><p>“When I went before, it was great seeing the queens. They have a huge role in the festival,” she said. “All the queens have worked hard to bring people in. It's going to be a good time.”</p><p>The festival also helps local residents. </p><p>“All proceeds from the festival go back into the community,” Lapeyrouse said.</p><p>Staff Writer Kate Mabry can be reached at 857-2207 or kate.mabry@houmatoday.com.</p>